Conques Organ Concert

[billmclaughlin]

I attended the evening organ concert in the abbey church in Conques on September 19 and I'm writing here just to register my dismay, shared by all the French trekkers I spoke with, at the musical selections performed. There was a variety of pop tunes, some I recognized and some not, that seemed out of character with the setting.

Mind you I have no religious quarrel, nor would most of those I spoke with. But to sandwich the traditional Gregorian chant Veni Creator Spiritus between something that made the French giggle and The House of the Rising Son?

This evening concert is an opportunity to display the organ's capabilities in an extraordinary architectural setting. There's a grand tradition of composition for the organ, and an especially grand French body of work. A kaleidoscope of moods and styles is available.

I'm puzzled that the same clerics who maintain this space and provide an entertaining exegesis of the tympanum would fail so miserably when they have a chance to provide a transcendent experience.

Is it always this bad?

Bill

 

[stevenjarvis]

Bill, "exegesis of the tympanum" , music to my ears .... and my phrase of the week, to be woven into conversation at every opportunity, thank you. I guess you don't want to borrow my recording ?

 

[Maree]

I attended the evening organ concert in the abbey church in Conques on September 19 and I'm writing here just to register my dismay, shared by all the French trekkers I spoke with, at the musical selections performed. There was a variety of pop tunes, some I recognized and some not, that seemed out of character with the setting.

Mind you I have no religious quarrel, nor would most of those I spoke with. But to sandwich the traditional Gregorian chant Veni Creator Spiritus between something that made the French giggle and The House of the Rising Son?

This evening concert is an opportunity to display the organ's capabilities in an extraordinary architectural setting. There's a grand tradition of composition for the organ, and an especially grand French body of work. A kaleidoscope of moods and styles is available.

I'm puzzled that the same clerics who maintain this space and provide an entertaining exegesis of the tympanum would fail so miserably when they have a chance to provide a transcendent experience.

Is it always this bad?

Bill

Bill,
We were there in May 2013 and were delighted with the musical selection and we were not alone. Many of our fellow travellers, including French Trekkers, also enjoyed the evening. I guess it comes down to personal choice.

 

[billmclaughlin]

But you haven't said what music you heard.

 

[vicrev]

I also enjoyed the music in May,they played everything from pop to classical........I didn't see anyone giggling , just enjoying the music & the wonderful atmosphere..........It just gets back to personal choice,especially as far as music is concerned.......................keep smiling.......Vicrev

 

[shefollowsshells]

I attended the evening organ concert in the abbey church in Conques on September 19 and I'm writing here just to register my dismay, shared by all the French trekkers I spoke with, at the musical selections performed. There was a variety of pop tunes, some I recognized and some not, that seemed out of character with the setting.

Mind you I have no religious quarrel, nor would most of those I spoke with. But to sandwich the traditional Gregorian chant Veni Creator Spiritus between something that made the French giggle and The House of the Rising Son?

This evening concert is an opportunity to display the organ's capabilities in an extraordinary architectural setting. There's a grand tradition of composition for the organ, and an especially grand French body of work. A kaleidoscope of moods and styles is available.

I'm puzzled that the same clerics who maintain this space and provide an entertaining exegesis of the tympanum would fail so miserably when they have a chance to provide a transcendent experience.

Is it always this bad?

Bill

I'm so late to this conversation it appears. We were searching last night for any discussion or video from this night in Conques. I found the evening totally different, I loved every minute of it and often speak about how a monk ended playing The House of the Rising Sun by the Animals. The tour was amazing and the discussion of the tympanum should not be missed. While I don't buy things to add weight to my pack did buy the book that explains it.

 

[lovingkindness]

Hi @shefollowsshells ...in 2013???
You've made me smile I heard something similar late one evening in Conque, October 2004 -the improvisations on 'The House of the Rising Sun' made me laugh. Afterwards Frère Jean-Daniel lent me a selection of JS Bach scores and allowed me the grand piano. What a night!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I also was in Conques June 2018 and will never forget the evening of organ music in the cathedral, culminating in "The House of the Rising Sun". It gave me "unspiritual" chills and a memory I will never forget!